U.S. Sen. George Allen’s racist “macaca” gaffe uttered at a Virginia re-election campaign stop may have derailed then-campaign manager Wadham’s direct trajectory toward the Big Kahuna. But long ties to a darkhorse 2012 Republican presidential candidate may give him another shot at a run at the White House.

Jennifer Duffy of the influential Cook Political Report says that given all of the important steps that Thune has taken, “he is a player.

“What helps his seniority quest is that Republicans are a shrinking party,” she said.

Because of what’s happening within the Republican Party, people are paying more attention to what Thune says. He, in turn, makes it easier by being available, Duffy said.

“There is a vacuum out there. This is a party looking for new voices, fresh faces, and if Thune chooses, he could fill that void a bit. As he rises in seniority, people pay more attention to what it is he is saying,” Duffy said.

Will Wadhams duck out of his duties leading the Colorado Republican Party for the lure of prolific fundraiser Thune’s growing $4.4 million campaign war chest and another shot at national fame? Stay tuned.

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